Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Bursting with Bold Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are the kind of dish that instantly transports you to warm evenings and open-air grilling. What makes this recipe stand out is the marinade. Coconut milk tenderizes the chicken beautifully, while Thai-inspired aromatics add layers of flavor without overpowering the dish. I tested this recipe several times and found that a longer marinating time truly transforms the texture, making the chicken juicy and succulent all the way through. The gentle sweetness of coconut pairs naturally with savory soy sauce and the subtle heat of spices, creating a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. These skewers are ideal for casual barbecues, meal prep, or even elegant entertaining when paired with a fresh salad or rice. They cook quickly, look impressive on the grill, and deliver restaurant-quality results at home.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during grilling. Their slightly higher fat content absorbs the marinade more effectively than chicken breast.

Coconut milk forms the base of the marinade. It adds richness and subtle sweetness while helping to keep the chicken moist as it cooks over high heat.

Soy sauce provides the salty, umami backbone of the dish. It balances the sweetness of the coconut milk and enhances the savory character of the chicken.

Brown sugar adds gentle sweetness and helps the skewers caramelize on the grill, creating appealing grill marks and deeper flavor.

Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and sharpness that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.

Fresh ginger adds warmth and brightness, giving the marinade its signature Thai-inspired character.

Lime juice contributes acidity, which balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken further.

Fish sauce adds complexity and authentic depth. Used sparingly, it enhances the overall flavor without tasting overtly fishy.

Vegetable oil helps prevent sticking on the grill and ensures even cooking.

Ground coriander adds a citrusy, slightly nutty spice that complements the coconut and lime.

Ground turmeric provides subtle earthiness and a warm golden color to the chicken.

Wooden or metal skewers are essential for threading the chicken and making grilling and serving easy.

Directions

Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, coriander, and turmeric until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even heat circulation.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.

Remove from the grill and allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a marinating time of 2 to 12 hours. Grilling takes about 12 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on a grill pan or in the oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

Variations and Customizations

These skewers are highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For extra heat, add red curry paste or chili flakes to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the ginger and omit any added spice.

You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu. Shrimp should be marinated for no more than 30 minutes, while tofu benefits from at least an hour to absorb flavor.

For added texture and visual appeal, alternate chicken pieces with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or pineapple on the skewers. Pineapple, in particular, enhances the coconut flavor and adds natural sweetness.

Serve the skewers with a peanut dipping sauce, jasmine rice, or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal that feels fresh and balanced.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	380
Protein (g)	32
Carbs (g)	14
Fat (g)	22
Saturated Fat (g)	12
Fiber (g)	1
Sugar (g)	8
Sodium (mg)	680

Expert Tips & Customizations

Marination time: Longer marinating produces deeper flavor and more tender chicken.

Even cooking: Cut chicken pieces uniformly to avoid overcooking smaller pieces.

Grill control: Avoid very high heat to prevent burning the coconut-based marinade.

Serving finish: A squeeze of fresh lime just before serving brightens the entire dish.

FAQs

Can I cook these skewers indoors?

Yes, a grill pan works well if outdoor grilling is not possible.

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.

Are these skewers spicy?

They are mildly flavored unless extra spice is added.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze before grilling for up to one month.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Rice, flatbread, or fresh salads are excellent choices.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 200°C and broil briefly for color.

Is coconut cream a good substitute?

Yes, but thin it slightly for better coating.

How do I prevent sticking?

Oil both the grill and the skewers lightly.

Can I prepare these ahead?

Yes, grill ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make them suitable.

Conclusion

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers deliver bold, balanced flavors with minimal effort. With their tender texture, aromatic marinade, and quick cooking time, they are a reliable recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions, offering consistently delicious results straight from the grill.

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